President Jacob Zuma has launched Operation Phakisa, an approach to implement government’s policies and programmes better, faster and more effectively.
Operation Phakisa is an adaption of Malaysia’s Big Fast Results methodology. According to Zuma, the Malaysian government used this methodology very successfully in the delivery of its Economic Transformation Programme and the Government Transformation Programme. “We expressed an interest in the use of this approach and the Malaysians were ready to provide support,” he said. “We renamed the Malaysian Big Fast Results approach as Operation Phakisa, to highlight the urgency with which we want to deliver on some of the priorities encompassed in the National Development Plan 2030.” “The people of South Africa deserve much better from all of us,” said Zuma. “Through Operation Phakisa and all our other key strategic interventions to achieve the goals of the National Development Plan, we must work tirelessly to move our country forward and build a better life for all especially the poor and the working class.” Operation Phakisa will initially be implemented in two sectors: the ocean economy and health. The first implementation, which was the focus of the launch, is unlocking the economic potential of South Africa’s oceans. Unlocking our oceans The oceans project brings together representatives from all areas to collaborate in unlocking the economic potential of the country’s oceans. “We chose the ocean economy with good reason. South Africa is uniquely bordered by the ocean on three sides — east, south and west. With the inclusion of Prince Edward and Marion Islands in the southern ocean, the coastline is approximately 3 924 km long. This vast ocean space is relatively unexplored in terms of its economic potential,” the president explained. In 2010, the ocean contributed approximately R54 billion to South Africa’s gross domestic product and accounted for approximately 316 thousand jobs. An analysis was conducted of nine sectors that comprise South Africa’s ocean economy, and found that the ocean has a potential to contribute up to R177 billion to the GDP.
These growth levers reflect at least 4% annual growth in both GDP contribution and job creation. Four priority sectors have been selected as new growth areas in the ocean economy, with the objective of growing them and deriving value for the country. These are: marine transport and manufacturing activities; offshore oil and gas exploration; aquaculture; and marine protection services; and ocean governance.
Teams began preparing the action plan for unlocking the potential of the country’s oceans in Durban on 8 July and will continue working until 15 August. Over 180 delegates from national government departments, provincial government departments, civil society, the private sector, labour and academia are participating in the oceans component of Operation Phakisa. Oil and gas exploration The project hopes to enhance the enabling environment for exploration of oil and gas wells, resulting in an increased number of exploration wells drilled, while simultaneously maximising the value captured for South Africa. Mechanisms for achieving this include providing an enabling policy and legislative environment, promoting inclusive economic growth, addressing the skills gaps and overcoming infrastructure challenges. Zuma to take personal interest Zuma told those present at the launch that he will take a personal interest in monitoring progress, with implementation. He said he will receive regular progress reports from the relevant ministers with a view to dealing with any challenges that arise during implementation. Once the detailed delivery plans have been completed, the implementation phase of Operation Phakisa will begin. Zuma said this will involve making public commitments to the implementation plans, coupled with frequent detailed monitoring of progress.
